Horwill trusts bosses on O'Connor moves

Aap
Thursday, July 03, 2014

BRISBANE - Queensland captain James Horwill has no reservations about the Reds re-opening the door for wayward Wallaby James O'Connor to return home next season.

Horwill, Australia's Test captain when O'Connor continually ran off the rails from 2011-13, has full faith the Reds' recruitment team will ensure the star back is heading to Ballymore for the right reasons.

Queensland Rugby Union boss Jim Carmichael is still saying little about whether the 23-year-old has signed a two-year deal, instead waiting until the end of their failed Super Rugby campaign before revealing the bulk of the Reds' 2015 squad.

Coach Richard Graham again declined to confirm speculation this week.

But for six weeks, it's appeared certain Gold Coast-raised O'Connor will head home from Europe to play on the wing for Queensland and aim for World Cup selection.

Horwill has been at the forefront of a strong Reds culture for the past five years, and many fans have expressed concerns about the impact O'Connor could have on the team fabric.

Asked whether he held any reservations, the 51-Test lock said: "Look, I think anyone who comes here will come for the right reasons and fit into our culture.

"I think that's the most important thing that we've stressed: No matter who comes, whether they are a Test player or a young guy coming in, they have to come for the right reasons — because they want to play for Queensland and fit into our way of playing and do things our way."